You can close a Bank of America checking account online through the mobile app or website, but only if the account has a zero balance and no pending transactions
Bank of America does not offer a full account closure option in their online banking interface. Instead, you must either call their customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person. If you want to avoid a phone call, visiting a local branch is the fastest route — staff can close the account while you watch and confirm the balance is zero.
The reason for this limitation is straightforward: the bank needs to verify your identity and confirm there are no outstanding checks, automatic payments, or pending deposits before closing the account. These details cannot be fully verified through the app or website alone.
If you have already moved your money out and want to avoid the branch visit, calling is faster than you might expect. The process takes about 10 minutes once you reach a representative.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America requires you to close checking accounts by phone or in person — the online banking portal does not have a closure option.
- Your account must have a zero balance and no pending transactions before closure can be processed.
- Calling 1-800-432-1000 takes about 10 minutes and avoids a branch visit.
- If you have direct deposits or automatic payments set up, you must cancel or redirect them before closing the account.
- After closure, Bank of America will mail you a final statement within 30 days confirming the account is closed.
What happens to your money before you close the account
You need to move all funds out of the checking account before Bank of America will close it. This means transferring the balance to another account — either at Bank of America or at a different bank entirely. You can do this transfer online through your Bank of America account, or by visiting a branch with a teller.
If you have a savings account at Bank of America, the transfer takes seconds and posts when ready. If you are moving money to a different bank, the transfer typically takes one to two business days, depending on the receiving bank's processing time.
Once the balance shows zero in your checking account, you are ready to close it. Do not wait for pending deposits or checks to clear — the account must be empty at the moment you request closure.
Stopping direct deposits and automatic payments before closure
Any automatic payments or direct deposits tied to the checking account must be redirected or cancelled before you close it. Bank of America will not close an account that has active recurring transactions, even if the balance is zero.
Log into your Bank of America account online and review the "Transfers" or "Bill Pay" section to see what automatic payments are set up. For each one, either cancel it or change the account number to a different account you plan to keep open. This step usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.
For direct deposits (paychecks, benefits, tax refunds), you will need to contact your employer or the organization sending the deposit and provide them with a new account number. This change typically takes one to two pay periods to take effect, so plan ahead if you are closing the account soon.
Calling Bank of America to close the account
Call 1-800-432-1000 and select the option for account services. When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close your checking account. They will ask for your account number and will verify your identity by asking security questions or requesting the last four digits of your Social Security number.
The representative will confirm that your balance is zero and that there are no pending transactions. If everything checks out, they will process the closure when ready. The account will be marked as closed in their system, and you will receive a confirmation number.
Keep the confirmation number for your records. Bank of America will mail you a final statement within 30 days showing the account closure date and confirming the balance was zero at the time of closure.
Closing the account at a Bank of America branch
If you prefer to close the account in person, visit any Bank of America branch with a valid ID and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to close your checking account. They will pull up your account, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot.
This method is useful if you have questions about the closure process or if you want to open a different account at the same time. The teller can also print a receipt confirming the closure, which you can keep as proof.
Branch hours vary by location, so check the Bank of America website or call ahead to confirm your local branch is open before you go.
What happens after the account closes
Once Bank of America closes your checking account, you cannot use the debit card or make any transactions on it. Any remaining checks linked to that account will be rejected if you try to use them. The account will no longer appear in your online banking dashboard, though you can still view closed account history for up to seven years.
If you set up automatic payments or direct deposits after closure and they try to post to the closed account, they will be rejected and returned to the sender. This is why it is important to update all recurring transactions before you close the account.
Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a checking account, and closing it does not affect your credit score or other accounts you have with the bank.
If you cannot reach zero balance or have pending transactions
If your account has a small balance you cannot move (sometimes due to a hold or pending fee), call 1-800-432-1000 and explain the situation. A representative can sometimes manually adjust the account or process a closure with a small remaining balance, though this is not may provide.
If you have pending checks or transfers that have not cleared, you have two options: wait for them to post and then close the account, or ask Bank of America to hold the account open for a specific period while you sort out the pending items. Most representatives will allow you to keep the account open for 30 to 60 days without activity while you wait for everything to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I close my Bank of America checking account through the mobile app?
No. Bank of America's mobile app does not have an account closure feature. You must call 1-800-432-1000 or visit a branch in person. The phone call is usually faster if you have already moved your money out.
What if I have a negative balance or overdraft fee when I try to close?
You must pay the negative balance or overdraft fee before the account can be closed. Transfer funds in to bring the balance to zero, or call the bank to discuss payment options if you cannot cover the amount when ready.
How long does it take for Bank of America to send the final statement after closure?
Bank of America mails a final statement within 30 days of closure. This statement confirms the closure date and shows that the balance was zero when the account was closed. You can also view the closure confirmation in your online banking history.
Will closing my checking account affect my savings account or credit card?
No. Closing one account does not affect any other accounts you have with Bank of America or your credit score. Your savings account and credit cards will continue to work normally.
What if I closed my account but money is still trying to post to it?
Once an account is closed, any transactions that try to post will be rejected and returned to the sender. Contact the organization sending the payment (your employer, a biller, or a benefits program) and provide them with your new account number to prevent future rejections.